Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey announced the release of its new Black Reserve, a blend of single malt and grain whiskey and aged for a minimum of four years in level 3 heavily charred bourbon barrels.

Originating at the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, this triple-distilled whiskey is a blend matured in both first and second-fill American Oak bourbon casks, which add robust depth and complexity to its signature smooth taste.

Heavily charring the American Oak first-fill barrels intensifies the bourbon flavors with rich caramel, toasted wood, soft vanilla and sweeter characters. American White Oak has a tighter, harder grain, so the wood is fired to open that grain, which then gives big flavor to the whiskey during aging. The American Oak second-fill barrels offer more of the distinct Proper No. Twelve character and the natural flavors from the American Oak cask.

“We want Black Reserve to reinforce what Proper No. Twelve has been about from the start: expert craftsmanship, approachability and more than 400 years of whiskey production and blending expertise,” Lander Otegui, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Innovation at Proximo Spirits, said in a news release. “The toasted wood and heartier caramel notes from the heavily charred barrels balanced by the gentle vanilla sweetness, is a great testament to that.”

Proper No. Twelve Black Reserve is fitting for a neat pour or to be sipped on the rocks – or in a Proper Black Honey Old Fashioned, adding a bar spoon of honey to the classic recipe to accentuate the vanilla notes and complement the wood-derived sugars – for something more Proper.

Proper No. Twelve Black Reserve is on shelves and backbars now across the country for an average SRP of $32.99. 

Read more: Proper No. Twelve Releases 13-Year-Old Single Malt

About Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey

Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey is an Irish whiskey made of triple-distilled malt and grain whiskey, Proper No. Twelve is made at the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery and aged for four years in bourbon barrels. The brand remains committed to giving back, having donated over $5 million to first responder organizations worldwide in recognition of their service and sacrifice. For more information, visit https://www.properwhiskey.com/.